Android Lollipop Update: What Nexus Users Need to Know

Google’s Nexus Android Lollipop release has been ongoing for several weeks and now includes an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update for select devices including the Nexus 9 and Nexus 7. Today, we want to take a look at Google’s progress and bring you up to date with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.0.1 Lollipop details for Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus 6.

Earlier this week, Google released a brand new Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop update into the Android Open Source Project. That update is Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, a follow up to the Android 5.0 Lollipop update that deployed in November, and a small bug fix update that’s started rolling out to owners of select Nexus-branded tablets. The roll out, while nice, makes things a little more complicated for Nexus users, many of whom are still waiting to move from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

When Google first started rolling out Android 5.0 Lollipop, it pushed it to select Nexus users including owners of the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Soon after, the update landed for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 4. The company also rolled out small bug fixers to the Nexus 9 and the Nexus 6 to help shore up their software after launch.

Missing were Android 5.0 Lollipop updates for the cellular versions of the Nexus 7. Those updates remain missing leaving Nexus 7 users looking for answers, answers that Google simply hasn’t offered as we get closer to a month of Android 5.0 Lollipop roll outs.

Now that Android 5.0.1 Lollipop is here, we continue to see Nexus Android Lollipop update details swirl and for those that don’t tune in on a daily basis, it can be a lot to stomach. Today, with those Nexus users in mind, we want to take an up close look at the progress of Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop release and a look at the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update that’s still very new.

Here’s everything you Nexus users need to know, right now, about Android Lollipop.

Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Status

If you own a Nexus 6, Nexus 5, or Nexus 4, you should have received the Android 5.0 Lollipop update by now. Most Nexus smartphone users we’ve talked to have been bumped up to the latest version of Android 5.0 Lollipop and we’ve finally seen the updates hit our devices. So, at this point, the roll outs are either close to complete or are done. We’re leaning towards the latter given that we’re now about a month removed from the start of the roll outs.

Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop Problems Continue

It’s been about a month since Google started pushing out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update and over the period, Google’s Nexus Help forum has flooded with complaints about the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. We detailed many of the early Android 5.0 Lollipop problems but we continue to see more complaints and new issues pop up as the smoke continues to settle.

Some of these threads have potential fixes, some of them don’t. And with an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update still MIA for many Nexus users, those dealing with problems will need to seek out advice and third-party fixes.

Nexus 7 Android 5.0 Lollipop Release Still MIA

Google still hasn’t released Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Nexus 7 HSPA+ or Nexus 7 LTE. It’s not clear when those two updates, the final Nexus Android 5.0 updates, will roll out and there’s a very good chance that Google won’t say a thing. Instead, Nexus 7 users should expect the updates to roll out on a random day at a random time.

It’s also not clear if they will get Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android 5.0.1 Lollipop though we’d imagine that Google will outfit the devices with the latest version of Android 5.0, a version that contains vital bug fixes for the Nexus 7 and other Nexus tablets. That’s not confirmed but if Google reverted to Android 5.0, we’d be surprised. This could explain why the updates are taking so long. The certification process can be a pain.

Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update Still Rolling Out

The Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update, a small bug fixer aimed at alleviating some of Android 5.0’s more glaring issues, is currently rolling out to the Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi.

The updates are still rolling out and they should roll out over the course of a two week window. We’re right around the week mark which means that a majority of updates should land soon if they haven’t already. Those interested in the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop would be wise to take a look at our release date tips. You won’t need to follow every single one but they should help you come out of the Android 5.0.1 release process unscathed.

Android 5.0.1 Lollipop MIA for Most Nexus Users

If you own a Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 6, or a cellular version of the Nexus 7, it’s still not clear if you will be getting Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Google hasn’t announced anything regarding Android 5.0.1 Lollipop so while it’s possible that the company has some other roll outs up its sleeve, there’s no guarantee. In the past, we’ve seen incremental updates hit select devices so if Google does keep it limited, it wouldn’t be too surprising.

One thing to keep in mind is that cellular models typically take a little bit longer when it comes to release dates. The Android 5.0.1 update is currently rolling out to Wi-Fi only devices and Wi-Fi devices only. So the window for an Android 5.0.1 update for cellular users is certainly still open. Just don’t expect Google to clarify ahead of time.

Android 5.0.1 Problems Emerge for Nexus Users

Surprise. Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, the bug fixer, evidently brings some issues of its own. They are as big as some of the system-wide problems that came with Android 5.0 Lollipop problems but they are problems nonetheless.

What’s important is that so far, the update does appear to have quelled some of the Android 5.0 Lollipop problems that plagued Nexus users in the days and weeks after the Android 5.0 Lollipop release. Hopefully that trend continues and Google isn’t forced to roll out another Android 5.0 Lollipop bug fixer in the near future. We expect to see at least one more before everything is said and done but we don’t expect it to arrive until next year.

4 Comments

Chris Busch

12/10/2014 at 6:02 am

Well there are things to consider. I have had the NExus 7 2012 and now 2013 version. I enjoy both and like them as far as Tablets go. I work in I.T. so i play with alot of toys. Considering that Cell service providers like to add their own bloatware and ads to existing updates, they tend to take longer. This is were you get all the crap software that you cant remove and as it is with Verizon, you have to have in order to get additional updates from your service provider.

This would probably account for the lack of update at the same time to none contract, cell phone company tablets.

I noticed my lolipop update had gone through 3 times and that its not actually updating. Now I rooted and unlocked mine but have not made any other changes. So im not sure if this is the cause or not. SO far im still stuck at 4.4.4 and now it says its up to date.

I may have to unroot my device to get the update which will make me displeased because. Mine is not with a service provider and is a standard WiFi version so im not sure what the issue is with the update just yet.

As far as other issues or complaints, I have learned to wait on an update. I am not the type to just click on “UPDATE” to a system just because the icon tells me to. I wait for all the stories and drama to play out online and an eventual patch/fix to follow, then go through the process all at once and be done with it. Apple, Microsoft and Android just have to keep fixing bugs, thats what they do and thats what updates are for. So sit back, wait for the dust to clear up somewhat and then update. Cheers..

Gill

03/05/2015 at 8:55 am

My nexus 7 is so slow it’s unusable, I’m really annoyed, we should see them, it’s unacceptable, I need to set back to kit kat but don’t think I can do it myself, it’s far too complicated, been quoted £20 to do it, don’t see why I should have to pay!!!

Chris B

03/05/2015 at 9:39 am

My nexus 7 2013 edition fails to update and constantly re downloads and prompts to install. I even tried jail breaking mine and using a program to install bjtbit never does. Very frustrating. Just bought it to replace the older Nexus 7 that just failedbto decrypt one day. I’m starting to get very annoyed.